Breaking the Spell.

The author comments on the trial of Washington, D.C. sniper John Allen Muhammad. The convicted sniper, sentenced to death for a murder in a killing spree that left 10 dead, is now on trial in Maryland. Taking the stand, Lee Boyd Malvo, Muhammad's accomplice, expressed resentment against Muhammad. Malvo hopes that testifying against Muhammad will help victims' families. Malvo's lawyers were worried at first that he was too deluded to stand trial. Determined to confront Muhammad in court to demonstrate his independence, Malvo was wary of Muhammad's emotional hold on him.